WHAT a pretty picture we have before us! We like to peep inside of homes like this where all is peace and happiness. Although the walls and floor of this home look rough and bare, yet how happy its inmates seem. See the big dog holding his head down toward the little child so lovingly; I’m sure they must be the best of friends; he would not do this if the child were rough and unkind to him. Pussy, too, feels very friendly and is coming through the door way to join her companions—she also shows that she is not afraid of being kicked outside. How naughty it is in anyone to mistreat such creatures as these animals are very much like people, in that they are kind to those who are kind to them.
How much a kind, happy home means, dear children. Do you try to make your home so? Remember it is not pretty furnishings nor a great amount of money that will make it happy, it is only as the spirit of Christ is shown by those in the home that it will he so. In fact there are many very poor homes where the people in them are very happy; the secret of this is that they know Jesus arid are seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. Can you, say you are one of this number, one who loves Jesus and is trying in your home, in school, and everywhere you go to please Him? There is a word for you in Eph. chap. 4, vs. 32, “Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving, one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Give Jesus the first place in your hearts, make Him the supreme object in your life, and then you will be sure to have an interest and care for others around you. Think how much Jesus has forgiven you: this will make you more ready to forgive your brothers and sisters “seventy times seven”; see Matt. 18:2222Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:22).
ML 01/21/1912